The annual event was a great time this year. We had a decent size group in attendance, won an event or two, and discovered the dangers of a grass fire. One of the themes was sports. Patrols and troops competed in several sporting events including soccer and volleyball.

Sixteen members of Troop 68 participated in the event this year.

During lunch on Saturday a small grass fire started and we learned how dangerous they can become.

The older members of the troop formed a volleyball team and took first place this year.

    This Court of Honor was quite impressive. The ceremonies went well, there were plenty of awards to hand out, and a there were a couple special presentations. The court of honor was held at the VFW post meeting rooms. (The VFW Post 7050 is the sponsor of our troop.)

The COH began with the Scouts doing a presentation about the ranks of Scouting.	Several Scouts received skill awards during the evening. SPL Gerry presented the awards.	Chad received his Tenderfoot Rank. The rank is presented to his dad, who then gives it to his son.
Shawn, one of the newest Scouts, received his Scout Award.	Tony was awarded his Second Class Rank as his fathered helped in the presentation.	Gerry received the rank of Life Scout as his parents stood by his side.

    There were six Webelos who graduated into Troop 68 this spring. Several of these guys would stay in Scouting for several more years. In fact, one of these guys would become a staff member at Many Point Scout Camp for several years.

The fifth grade Webelos provided great entertainment as they lyp-synced a song for the audience.

Each Webelos Scout was "tied" to an Boy Scout who would help him during his first several months as a member of the troop.

This year's Webelos group included Jason, Matt, Grant, Scott, Tim, and Greg. Their den leader was Vern.

    In May, the troop went to there annual camping grounds known as camp Watchamagumee, which is located north of Melrose about ten miles. The camp was still in the development stages this year, as it seems to be every year. The theme of the camping trip was pioneering and primitive camping.

Scott and Chris check over the site as a mysterious visitor inspects their kitchen.

Broc demonstrated how to ties knots to the newest Scouts of Troop 68.

From old to new, many members of the troop attended this outing.

    A large group of Scouts and their fathers attended our canoeing trip down the Kettle River in eastern Minnesota. It was a beautiful river, but the water level was a bit low. They are a few rocks that probably still shown some aluminum that was left behind as we dragged our canoes over them.

The group takes a well deserved break for a swim on a sand bar in the river.

Andrew grabs John's sleeping bag and runs as fast as his legs can carry him.

Eighteen Scouts, five fathers, and one scoutmaster attended this outing.

    In 1987 Troop 68 went to Many Point Scout Camp for the first time. We registered late for camp so we were placed in a campsite known as Tyler, in the Buckskin Camp. Tyler, we discovered, was the furthest camp from the dining hall, beach, and scoutcraft area. Needless to say, we did a lot of walking that week.
    (Webmaster's note: Even though Tyler was the campsite that was far from everything, it became the troop's favorite site. Every year the troop attended Many Point, except once, they would register for the Tyler campsite.)

Our campsite. Troop 68 reopened this site after it had been closed for a couple of years.	The scoutcraft area was a popular place. The monkey bridge was a Scout favorite.	The rifle range is always a great place to hang out and get some practice in.
One of the newest activities was the climbing tower. Andrew, Pat, and Scott prepare for the climb.	Matt seems to wondering how to steer this horse he found himself sitting upon.	Eighteen Scouts and two adult leaders attended a week at Many Point Scout Camp.

    The Christmas has now become a tradition for Troop 68. This year it was held at the Timmins' residence. Videos, food, sodas, and games were the activities for the evening. Oh, and don't forget the gift exchange. You never know what you are going to get.

The Christmas party is a well attended event and takes place after skiiing at Powder Ridge.

Chris doesn't know what to think of the gift he received. Scott and Josh think it is funny though.

The motto of the the party is "More food and pop then the Scout troop can eat and drink."